This week Fr. Michael recaps his recent time in the Holy Land where he was the chaplain for a 10 day pilgrimage. He talks about the areas they traveled, where the Lord spoke to him in prayer, and being inspired by the people he encountered on the trip. Bridegroom's Banquet - the monastery's annual fundraiser is Saturday, September 10th. All details can be found here , including a link to register to attend in-person, and a link for donations if you can't attend in-person. Thank you for your gene...
Jul 27, 2022•1 hr 1 min
This week Father Michael talks about the difference between men and women, the wholistic beauty of the human person, and how Mary epitomizes everything which is good and beautiful about women. It's an interesting one! References The Final Homily Gates of Fire by Steven Pressfield The Face of God by Archbishop Joseph Raya The Reed of God by Caryll Houselander Bridegroom's Banquet - the monastery's annual fundraiser is Saturday, September 10th. All details can be found here , including a link to r...
Jul 20, 2022•1 hr 9 min
This week Mother Natalia uses a reflection from Bishop John Michael Botean about work as her inspiration for today's episode. Mother Natalia reflects on work, both what it is and what it is not. She uses quotes from the Church Fathers to help our understanding, and gives practical examples of how to live a life more focused on God and less focused on work. References: The Endow Podcast Episode with Father Deacon Jonathan - Ontology and Image, Likeness and Destiny What Leisure is Not with Mother ...
Jul 13, 2022•1 hr 21 min
This week we're joined by Fr. Maximos of Holy Resurrection Monastery . Fr. Maximos talks about how "the East" defines involuntary sin, and what that can look like practically in the confessional. There's a great discussion about healing and presenting yourself to the divine healer in confession. References: Fr. Maximos' thesis Brief video, Fr. Maximos on Orientale Lumen Television Bridegroom's Banquet - the monastery's annual fundraiser is Saturday, September 10th. All details can be found here ...
Jul 06, 2022•1 hr 14 min
This week Mother Natalia uses a homily given by Bishop Malesic of the Diocese of Cleveland as her inspiration for a topic. She talks about living in a society where there is always an opportunity to be photographed or videoed, and how that can remind us that all our actions are known by The One and will eventually come to light for all of us. References: Video of ordination - homily starts around 26 minute mark Examination of Conscience for FOCUS Missionaries Luke 12: 1-3 Letter to Diognetus Dia...
Jun 29, 2022•1 hr 2 min
This week we're joined by special guests Libby and Sandy! They're both Roman Catholics who talk about embracing the Byzantine fast for the first time. We hear about their joys, struggles, and how they learned to integrate the fast with prayer. It's a worthwhile listen, especially while we're still in the Apostles' Fast. References: The Angelic Tradition by Father Ephraim The Lenten Triodion by Archimandrite Kallistos Ware For the Life of the World by Fr. Alexander Schmemann What Leisure is Not w...
Jun 22, 2022•1 hr 16 min
This week Mother Gabriella joins us to talk to us about leisure. She uses the book Leisure by Josef Pieper as her jumping off point, and talks about what leisure is and what it is not. We learn how to rest and how that's different than vegging out. It's a thoughtful conversation that will stick with you! References: Leisure: The Basis of Culture by Josef Pieper Into Great Silence Bridegroom's Banquet - the monastery's annual fundraiser is Saturday, September 10th. All details can be found here ,...
Jun 15, 2022•1 hr 9 min
This week Mother Natalia talks about a book she's reading, The Diary of a Russian Priest, and inspiration she's received from it. The discussion covers a variety of topics including wearing masks to hide our true selves, finding inner peace, vocations, and our conscience. References: The Diary of a Russian Priest by Fr. Alexander Elchaninov Poverty vs Destitution Eyes to See Previous videos from the Bridegroom's Banquet Bridegroom's Banquet - the monastery's annual fundraiser is Saturday, Septem...
Jun 06, 2022•1 hr 18 min
We're back with part two of our "meet the parents" series. This week Fr. Michael interviews Mother Natalia's parents, Barbara and Dave. They talk about how both of them have benefited from Mother Natalia's vocation, and how they've left something behind but have gained so much more. References Father-son Michael The Face of God by Archbishop Joseph M. Raya Follow and Contact Us! Follow us on Instagram and Facebook We're on YouTube ! Join our Goodreads Group Fr. Michael's Twitter Christ the Bride...
Jun 01, 2022•1 hr 19 min
This week Fr. Michael walks through three prayers said over adults who are entering the church who also are being baptized. Fr. Michael and Mother Natalia talk about the uniqueness of the prayers and how they call both the catechumen and the congregation to faithful living. We are reminded that Satan gets our sins! References: Catechumen Catherine Byzantine Baptism Follow and Contact Us! Follow us on Instagram and Facebook We're on YouTube ! Join our Goodreads Group Fr. Michael's Twitter Christ ...
May 25, 2022•1 hr 11 min
This week we have special guests! Bob and Marie O'Loughlin join us for an interview from Mother Natalia. Bob and Marie first introduce each other and we hear a little about how they met. Bob and Marie talk about what it was like when they knew Fr. Michael wanted to be a priest, the blessings they've received through his priesthood, and some of their memories. It's a touching interview with just a few tears! References: Hundredfold by Sr. Agnes Therese, T.O.R. Follow and Contact Us! Follow us on ...
May 18, 2022•1 hr 17 min
We're doing back to back episodes where Mother Natalia reflects on words she received while she led a poustinia with Wyoming Catholic. On this episode she talks about having an awareness of self. References: Word from a Poustinik: Motherhood Poustinia by Catherine Doherty Follow and Contact Us! Follow us on Instagram and Facebook We're on YouTube ! Join our Goodreads Group Fr. Michael's Twitter Christ the Bridegroom Monastery Our Website Our Nonprofit Send us a text Support the show...
May 11, 2022•53 min
We're doing back to back episodes where Mother Natalia reflects on words she received while she led a poustinia with Wyoming Catholic. This episode she talks about motherhood, the graces she receives from giving spiritual direction, and how God can work through any circumstance to reach us where we're at. References: Poustinia by Catherine Doherty Madonna House Catechumen Catherine Follow and Contact Us! Follow us on Instagram and Facebook We're on YouTube ! Join our Goodreads Group Fr. Michael'...
May 04, 2022•51 min
We're so excited to celebrate episode 100. We had a live recording where were joined by some listeners for vespers, dinner, and the recording. In this episode you get a bit of a behind the scenes look at "how the sausage is made" and then we dive into listener questions. Thank you so much for your support. We really appreciate it! Follow and Contact Us! Follow us on Instagram and Facebook We're on YouTube ! Join our Goodreads Group Fr. Michael's Twitter Christ the Bridegroom Monastery Our Websit...
Apr 27, 2022•1 hr 28 min
This week Fr. Michael uses the Letter to Diognetus (chapters 5 and 6) as a jumping off point for our episode this week, inspired by Deacon Michael Hyatt's episode on this same topic. Fr. Michael talks about the paradox of being in the world but not of it. References: 40 Days with the Church Fathers Christ the Bridegroom Monastery's Typikon St Mary of Jesus Crucified - she was canonized a saint May 17, 2015 Orthodoxy by G.K. Chesterton Poustinia by Catherine Doherty Mother Natalia and Father Mich...
Apr 20, 2022•1 hr 6 min
This week we continue our "Meet the Nun" series with Mother Iliana! Mother Iliana talks about suffering and sickness, and how we encounter God in our suffering. She also talks about visiting the sick and how allowing others to visit you when you're sick helps them fulfill Jesus' command to visit the sick. Mother Iliana wrote a blog post about her reactions to the war in Ukraine and recognizing that Jesus is with her and the people in Ukraine. It's a worthwhile read and a good bookend to what you...
Apr 13, 2022•1 hr 12 min
This week Fr. Michael uses Isaiah 10:15 as a jumping off point to talk about recognizing God's hand at work in everything, even in the things that we're good at. Many times we're aware of the work God is doing in our life in relation to "bad things" or things we're working on, but we may not always be aware of the work God is doing in our life for things that come naturally to us. References: Isaiah 10:15 For the Life of the World by Alexander Schmemann Follow and Contact Us! Follow us on Instag...
Apr 06, 2022•1 hr 6 min
This week we're joined by Fr. Jeffrey Dufresne who gave a homily on sin that inspired Mother Natalia! Mother Natalia talks about sin as a sickness, how this sickness can spread to others, and how we can seek healing for our sin. References: The Calling of St. Matthew by Carravagio Follow and Contact Us! Follow us on Instagram and Facebook We're on YouTube ! Join our Goodreads Group Fr. Michael's Twitter Christ the Bridegroom Monastery Email us! [email protected] Send us a text Suppor...
Mar 30, 2022•1 hr 1 min
Trigger warning - some discussion on the realities of the Holocaust. This week Fr. Michael talks about having a personal relationship with Jesus after hearing a talk from Monsignor Shea at SEEK2022. He talks about obedience, sin, and death, and how those all impact a personal relationship with God. We've also got a mini-topic this week suggested from a patron on our Patreon group . This week's topic is cultivating a spirit of gratitude. References: Night by Elie Wiesel [or Darkness or Dark as Fr...
Mar 23, 2022•1 hr 4 min
This week Mother Natalia walks through the differences between destitution and poverty following a homework assignment she gave one of her spiritual daughters. Mother talks about how poverty is the lack of any barriers between us and God, and how that should be our long-term goal. Mother Natalia talks about the poverty Adam and Eve had before the fall. Mother Natalia challenges us to approach the Lord with trepidation and ask Him to show us where we're living in a destitute manner. References: C...
Mar 16, 2022•1 hr 9 min
This week Fr. Michael shares his vocation story. He starts early - with his grandparents - and then makes his way to childhood and college years. Fr. Michael shares how the Lord worked in his life to show him the peace and joy he'd receive as a priest. References: Father Michael on Chris Stefanick's show Father Michael's vocation episode on Catholic Stuff Follow and Contact Us! Follow us on Instagram and Facebook We're on YouTube ! Join our Goodreads Group Fr. Michael's Twitter Christ the Brideg...
Mar 09, 2022•1 hr 20 min
This week Mother Natalia talks about Zaccheus, the searching he did to find Jesus, and how that searching is in response to Jesus searching for him. This is the same in our lives. We are searching for Jesus as a response to Him searching for us. Mother Natalia talks about how Zaccheus was "all in" with Jesus and how that's a model for her life, including in her response to hospitality. Follow and Contact Us! Follow us on Instagram and Facebook We're on YouTube ! Join our Goodreads Group Fr. Mich...
Mar 02, 2022•1 hr 8 min
We were featured on SEEK in December and we're dropping the episode here in case you missed us! Father Michael and Mother Natalia share stories of their friendship, how SEEK played a part of their lives, and then talk about Divine Liturgy. SEEK is an annual retreat put on by Focus the Fellowship of Catholic University Students. SEEK 22 is wrapped, but put this on your radar for SEEK 23. References: The Orthodox Study Bible Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis Episodes on the Mystery of Crowning with ...
Feb 23, 2022•1 hr 1 min
This week we’re joined by special guest Casey Dail. Casey talks about her experience as a foster mom and the balance she has to practice of attachment and detachment. She links some of her experiences to the ecstasy experienced in the cross. Casey recently started a coaching practice. If you’re interested in working with her or would like to know more about her experience as a foster mom, you can email her ( [email protected] ) or message her on Facebook . References: Hosea 11:3 Abandonment ...
Feb 16, 2022•48 min
This week Father Michael talks about the reality of loneliness within our vocation. We talk about relying on God instead of others to satisfy loneliness. References: From Whence Mother Natalia Came The Space Trilogy Series by C.S. Lewis Book 1: Out of the Silent Planet Book 2: Perelandra Book 3: That Hideous Strength Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis Sobornost by Catherine Doherty Urodivoi by Catherine Doherty The Postal Service: Give Up Follow and Contact Us! Follow us on Instagram and Facebook W...
Feb 09, 2022•1 hr 2 min
This week Mother Natalia shares her vocation story up to the decision to enter the monastery. References: Mother Natalia has been on two episodes with Matt Fradd Episode One: Why Sr. Natalia Become a Nun Episode Two: Eastern Catholicism w/ Mother Natalia An Explanation by Luke Spehar Follow and Contact Us! Follow us on Instagram and Facebook We're on YouTube ! Join our Goodreads Group Fr. Michael's Twitter Christ the Bridegroom Monastery Email us! [email protected] Send us a text Sup...
Feb 02, 2022•1 hr 17 min
This week's episode is long but so worth it! We're happy to welcome to the podcast special guest Melkite Joe. Melkite Joe shares a bit of his life story that led to his discernment to enter Holy Transfiguration Monastery in California. If you would like to donate to Melkite Joe's fundraiser, you can find all the details here . Follow and Contact Us! Follow us on Instagram and Facebook We're on YouTube ! Join our Goodreads Group Fr. Michael's Twitter Christ the Bridegroom Monastery Email us! what...
Jan 26, 2022•1 hr 20 min
This week Mother Natalia talks about judgement. She gives some practical examples of judgement and the way it causes a block or barrier between herself and the person as well as herself and God. References: Wounded by Love by Elder Porphyrius Follow and Contact Us! Follow us on Instagram and Facebook We're on YouTube ! Join our Goodreads Group Fr. Michael's Twitter Christ the Bridegroom Monastery Email us! [email protected] Send us a text Support the show...
Jan 19, 2022•1 hr 11 min
Father Michael uses two Gospel passages along with some prayer requests in his life to talk about unanswered prayer and how our unanswered prayers unite us with our forefathers. References: Hidden Sins, Perceivable Virtue (The episode inspired by The Picture of Dorian Gray) The Year of Grace of the Lord Luke 14: 16 - 24 - parable about the wedding banquet, read 2 Sundays before Christmas Luke 15: 11 - 32 - the parable of the Prodigal (Reckless) Son Follow and Contact Us! Follow us on Instagram a...
Jan 12, 2022•51 min
This week Mother Natalia talks about how loving people shows us the love of God, and that in loving, both the the lover and the beloved receive fruit. The ability both to give love and receive love are because God gives us those abilities. In loving each other we love God, and that love can heal us. Growing in holiness helps us to grow in love. References: The Ladder of Divine Ascent by St John Climacus The Philokalia Christ our Pascha Follow and Contact Us! Follow us on Instagram and Facebook W...
Jan 05, 2022•1 hr 5 min
